Springbok props swap scrums for Two Oceans Marathon
· The South African
Two former Springbok tighthead props, Marius Hurter and Eddie Andrews, who once anchored the national scrum with over 130kg of front-row power, will be chasing new goals at the 2026 Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town this April.
Hurter, a 1995 Rugby World Cup winner, will take on the 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday, 11 April, while Andrews, the current Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town, returns on Sunday, 12 April, to compete in his sixth Two Oceans Half Marathon.
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Transformed himself
Hurter, affectionately known as ‘The Hurternator’, has transformed himself from a 132kg prop into a seasoned endurance athlete weighing around 103kg.
“My rugby career finished in 2006, but I must say, being a prop, I like a bit of suffering,” laughs Hurter.
“This is hard on the body, but a lot of it comes down to mental toughness. Your physique is one thing, but it’s this little thing between your ears that runs the whole operation.”
Believing that the greatest battleground in endurance sport lies within the mind, Hurter has completed some of endurance sport’s toughest events including nine finishes in the Cape Epic, several Ironman triathlons, the Two Oceans Marathon, Comrades Marathon and the Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100 miler (160km) last year.
This year’s Two Oceans Ultra Marathon will hold special significance as Hurter runs alongside his eldest daughter Annalien (20) in her first ultra marathon.
“I’ve got three daughters and I try to involve them in my events,” he explained.
“The oldest one is running with me. It’s her first ultra marathon and we committed to doing it together.”
Andrews running journey began in 2016 with a far smaller step.
Former Springbok strongman, Andrews, who played 23 Tests for South Africa between 2004 and 2007, has steadily built his running credentials, since starting his running journey in 2016 with the parkrun.
The 2026 event will mark Andrews’ sixth start in the half marathon as he moves closer to the coveted Blue Number Status that’s awarded to runners who complete 10 editions of the race.
“This is my sixth Two Oceans Half. Yes, I am almost there. I’m going to go for it,” said Andrews.
He has also encouraged fellow rugby veterans to take up the challenge.
“This is a challenge to all ex-Springbok rugby players to do it as well. Run the races, be in the community of runners and have other conversations.”
Eddie Andrews. Image: Adnaan Mohamed